We recently had the honor of sharing our work and perspectives to a powerful group of social scientists, public defenders, and academics from across the country who came together through the National Science Foundation to discuss a profoundly important question for anyone concerned with justice: What is quality representation? So to bring something to the table, we just asked people who come to our meetings for families who’s loved ones are facing the court system that basic question. Here is their responses.

On Saturday, June 13th, over 100 community members attended the Prop 47 Record Clearance Clinic in East Palo Alto. Proposition 47 was passed by California voters in November 2014 that reduced certain felonies to misdemeanors, including drug and theft offenses. Being able to remove these felonies allow folks to release the scarlet "F" -- making them eligible for benefits like housing and immigration, licenses, and opening up their possibilities for employment. Moreover, Prop 47 marks a step in reversing damage done to a community like East Palo Alto that has been dramatically impacted by drugs and heavy handed enforcement. It was also fitting that the event was held at Free At Last, a drug and alcohol recovery program founded by community residents -- including the late David Lewis, the late Priya Haji, and Dorsey Nunn.
Many thanks to the organizations that helped put together this event! Check out this website for more information on Prop 47 -- www.myprop47.org

The Cannery is about to shut its doors for good. Known for its historical production of canning fruits and vegetables from the late 1800's well into the late 90's, it has also played a major role in San Jose's most shape shifting facets of arts and culture, from bicycles to rapping to street fashion. Daniel Zapien and Andrew Bigelow interviewed some of the folks saying their last goodbyes.

Daniel Zapien was 20 years old when he first lost his drivers license. After two tickets, it took him more than six years and $5,000 dollars to be able to hold this card once again. He was in what California Governor Brown calls a "hellhole of desperation." A new bill, Senate Bill 405, was recently proposed for stories like his.